SDCC 2015: Snyder & Capullo Discuss Their “New” Batman

Naturally one of the most packed DC panels at last week’s San Diego Comic Con was the Batman exclusive, featuring Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo and editor Mark Doyle. With so much happening with the character, fans crowded the hall to see what Snyder’s reasoning behind the latest events within the series and maybe squeeze out a spoiler or two for future issues (Hint: Major spoilers below!).

Snyder began by discussing the repercussions of Endgame and what the creative team had in mind for the post-event story arc. “We were never about killing Bruce,” Snyder explained. “Writing Endgame allowed an opportunity to do an arc that examined the core character of both Bruce and Gordon while taking the symbol of Batman to a whole new level.” Snyder further explained that this is a story where Batman died and Bruce Wayne came back, as we can see from the latest issues where Bruce is looking very layman or as Capullo puts it, “Lumber-Bruce.”

Lumber-Bruce action figures hitting shelves at a Walmart near you.

Snyder broke down issue #42 and discussed the creation of the BatTruck, the Mad Max-esque vehicle that was both debuted and destroyed within the same issue. “It’s going to be a running joke,” Snyder insisted referencing Gordon’s displeasure with not having a Batmobile of his own. “There will be more!”

Come with me to Valhalla!

The creative team went on to discuss and examine this arc’s new villain, Mr. Bloom. Originally designed with a weed veil, Snyder insisted on having the character bear a flower mask. The ironically lighthearted character design produces an eerie effect that Snyder takes full advantage of within the villains writing. “So dark, just so dark,” Snyder said shaking his head in discussing the creation of the character. “He’s a villain deeply rooted in the city and takes advantage of Gotham’s civil confrontations.” He’s a character designed to be the opposite of Jim which makes him a great and challenging adversary for the new Batman.

Cover for Batman #43

In the next issue (Major major spoilers) there’s also a great scene where Alfred and Clark Kent discuss Batman’s death and Alfred puts forward the notion that Batman had to come to an end and that no one could, or should, expect the Batman’s reign to last throughout time. This moment not only packs an emotional appeal, but showcases Capullo’s artistic talent with a dazzling two page spread of Batman in different time periods to demonstrate the hypothetical eternal Batman. This issue will also have what the team calls “the best shootout ever.”

Bottom line, both Snyder and Capullo are 100% into the major transitions this series is taking. “We wouldn’t give you a story, unless we completely believe in it,” Snyder assured the audience. “We couldn’t have made it this far without all of your support and this story arc is the icing on the icing on the icing on the cake that you let us have.”